PORT ALLEN — Port Allen Police officers and West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a death that happened Wednesday afternoon in the city. Officials are now saying there is “no foul play” suspected.
“Based on the initial investigation, the incident was treated as a homicide pending further information.
At this time, it is believed the male may have suffered a medical emergency. The call that came in as a shooting was possibly the truck backfiring. However, the official cause of death is pending the results of an autopsy,” said Port Allen Police Chief Corey Hicks.
It was around 1:50 p.m. on Sept. 18 when officials responded to the intersection of La 1 and Court St. near a tire shop in Port Allen for a call for “shots fired.”
Upon arrival, officials told UWK Rickey Merritt Sr. had died inside his vehicle and evidence on the scene lead them to believe it was a shooting. Since then however, officials are saying “no foul play” is suspected and it may not have been a shooting.
Port Allen Police are leading the investigation into the shooting with WBRSO assisting. It’s unclear exactly what happened at this time.
This is a developing story. As soon as more details are provided, the story will be updated. Check back for new information.
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